Arsenal dealt worrying injury blow as star midfielder withdraws from international squad

Arsenal have been hit with another injury concern after it was confirmed midfielder Thomas Partey has pulled out of Ghana's squad for their upcoming fixtures during the October international break.

Partey has had regular fitness worries during his career in north London but has played in every game so far this season bar the Carabao Cup triumph over Bolton Wanderers, scoring once in the Premier League victory over Aston Villa in late August.

A statement from Ghana's FA reads: "Thomas Partey, Joseph Paintsil, Kingsley Schindler, and Osman Ibrahim have been ruled out of the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sudan due to injuries they picked up over the weekend. The four players were initially part of coach Otto Addo's 25-man squad for the double header.

"Thomas is unable to join the Black Stars due to medical issues he is currently experiencing, and his club has scheduled him for further tests in the coming days."

Arsenal reporter Charles Watts added the withdrawal is more precautionary after he suffered with illness, with the Gunners deciding not to exacerbate the situation by keeping him at home rather than sending him around the world.

Manager Mikel Arteta will hope the former Atletico Madrid star is fit and ready for his side's first game after the international break, a trip to the south coast to face Bournemouth, before they host Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.

Arteta has had his squad stretched due to injuries in recent weeks. Right-backs Ben White and Jurrien Timber were unavailable for Saturday's 3-1 victory over Southampton, while club captain Martin Odegaard remains sidelined with an ankle blow.

The in-form Kai Havertz has also had to drop out of Germany's squad for their fixtures this month due to a knee problem.

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